West London

A couple more churches on the west side of London.

St. Mary’s, Harrow on the Hill

Harrow on the Hill

The road sign pointing to St. Mary’s proudly says that this church was consecrated in 1094. This was by St. Anselm. A long and proud heritage. The church is easy to find both because of the road sign and also because the spire is such a landmark. With the famous school next door and a maze of narrow streets it is sometimes hard to believe that this is part of London.

St. Mary’s is open every day. Inside I found 3 different guides, some of these multi lingual, and guides to the bells and stained glass. There are also some postcards for sale. Children have an area to use with a large amount of teddies! There is much that is good here. A history display outlines some changes that the church hope to make as well as giving some context. The church staff and PCC members have their pictures displayed as well. Some of the many memorials here are accompanied by some laminated explanations. This is something that I have not often seen. Some of the church lights come on automatically when you approach certain areas. A votive stand is provided too.

St. Mary’s, Harrow on the Hill

There were 74 names in the visitors book in the last month.

I rate St. Mary’s as good.

St. Martin’s, Ruislip

St. Martin’s, Ruislip

Another ancient church in a suburb of London. There has been a real effort to welcome the visitor to St. Martin’s. For a start, the sign outside says that the church is open every day from 8.30am – 4pm. The main, west door, was open and there are glass doors into the church itself. Some lights are left on. There is a real sense of peace and prayer here. The welcome leaflet says ‘it is a place were people meet every day to pray together, where they can experience times of quiet and reflection as well as joyous celebration.’ This church feels as if that is the case. Apart from the welcome leaflet, there is a good range of literature on offer here. ‘A Prayer Walk Around the Church’ really caught my eye. This is well thought out and produced. Prayer cards and post cards are on offer too. Also a couple of leaflets about Ligugé Abbey, which was founded by St. Martin in 361. There are also guides to the bells, heraldry and stained glass here as well as a good range of the excellent Gospel Imprint leaflets. New Daylight’ and ‘Upper Room’ Bible reading notes can be picked up here as well. There is a history on some hand bats to carry around. There is a children’s area under the tower.

Prayers at Ruislip

A well used votive stand and prayer board cater for the prayer needs of visitors. Again, there were pictures of the staff and PCC members etc as a reminder that this is a living church community in Ruislip. There were some Christian books for sale, especially children’s. Surprisingly, only 2 people in the visitors book in the last month. This church deserves, and I expect gets, many more than that.

St. Martin’s, Ruislip interior

All in all, I rate St. Martin’s as very good. Recommended.